Most of us move through life reacting—stressed, overwhelmed, and disconnected—without ever realizing why. But what if the key to feeling more grounded, resilient, and in control isn’t about “doing more” but about understanding how your nervous system actually works?

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and powerhouse educator, Danielle Brunson. With decades of experience in education, wellness, and trauma-informed practices, she’s on a mission to bring real, accessible healing tools to schools, communities, and everyday people. We unpack why so many people struggle to regulate stress, how mainstream self-care advice often misses the mark, and what it really takes to create lasting change. If you’ve ever felt stuck in old patterns or unsure why certain things trigger you, this conversation will shift the way you see yourself.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• Why self-regulation isn’t about perfection—and what actually works instead
• The hidden ways trauma impacts your daily reactions (even when you don’t realize it)
• How “wellness” has been repackaged—and why some practices may not be helping you
• The unexpected reason slowing down feels wrong—and how to shift that

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Start Therapy or Coaching with Deana Panza: https://www.deanapanza.com/

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

What does it take to truly tune into yourself and trust your inner voice? 

In this episode, I sit down with Katie Leasor—a certified yoga therapist, sound healing practitioner in training, and former college athlete turned mindfulness advocate. We dive into the transformative power of slowing down, reconnecting with your body, and embracing the healing journey that begins within.

Katie opens up about her personal story of overcoming emotional challenges, finding inner peace, and transforming pain into purpose through yoga therapy and somatic healing. We unpack what makes yoga therapy so unique, why tuning into your body’s cues is crucial, and how community plays an often-overlooked role in the healing process. Whether you’re curious about yoga, searching for balance, or navigating your own self-discovery, this episode will inspire you to see that healing is possible—and it starts with you.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The difference between yoga therapy and traditional yoga classes
• How your body holds onto emotional pain and how to begin releasing it
• A surprising perspective on how social media impacts community and connection
• The role of the “inner witness” in self-awareness and healing

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Start Therapy or Coaching with Deana Panza: https://www.deanapanza.com/contact

Connect with Katie: https://www.elementsyogatherapeutics.com/about

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Ever feel your blood pressure rise when plans suddenly change? 

You're not alone. 

I’d like to share a personal story about my own frustration when my carefully planned Friday night got completely derailed. This seemingly simple situation allows us to explore why last-minute changes can trigger such intense emotions, and what your response to uncertainty might be telling you about your nervous system.

We’ll also cover how our need for consistency runs far deeper than we realize. Whether you've experienced significant trauma or not, your nervous system craves predictability – and understanding this connection could be the key to showing yourself more compassion when things don't go as planned.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• Why you really hate when plans change
• What your reaction to uncertainty reveals about your past
• The invisible force that's actually driving your need for control

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

For Coaching and Therapy with someone who gets it head to: https://www.deanapanza.com/

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

How often do you let the world see the real you? 

Let’s revist the very first episode of Humans Are Dope—the one where I wrestled with my own vulnerability and authenticity.

Together, we’ll dive into what it means to truly embrace who you are, even when society’s expectations or self-doubt make it feel impossible. I’ll share personal stories, insights from my journey as a therapist, and the profound realization that the path to self-compassion and growth starts with showing up as your imperfect, messy, wonderful self.

Whether you’re navigating life as a parent, professional, or just someone striving to be more “you,” my hope is that this episode will help you embrace the magic of your uniqueness.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• Why vulnerability can be so hard to access
• How societal expectations push us to hide our true selves
• One simple practice to reconnect with your most authentic self

Applications are now open for Reclaim + Reconnect, my 12-week group program designed for healers ready to transform their lives. This program focuses on repairing your nervous system and breaking free from past pain so you can step into a life that feels aligned and whole. If this resonates with you, don’t wait—learn more and apply today!

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Reclaim + Reconnect: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Ever felt like breaking cycles in your family feels impossible? Or wondered how trauma impacts the way you show up as a parent? 

In this replay of our most-played episode of the year, I sat down with Amber Trejo—a licensed marriage and family therapist and trauma specialist—to explore the beautiful, messy, and transformative journey of cycle-breaking. 

Amber opens up about her own experiences with complex childhood trauma, how she discovered somatic healing, and how her parenting journey led her to confront and heal her triggers. We discuss the realities of being human, embracing imperfection, and learning to show up authentically for yourself and your kids. 

If you're navigating generational patterns, parenting with compassion, or simply trying to better understand yourself, this episode is for you. Tune in to hear how healing from trauma isn't about perfection, but about learning to allow, repair, and reconnect with your humanity.

Don’t miss this raw, honest, and inspiring conversation that proves healing is possible, even when it feels messy.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• How parenting can reveal unhealed parts of yourself you never expected
• Why rage and shame often surface for trauma survivors—and how to navigate them
• What somatic healing is and why it's critical for trauma recovery

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Let's connect:

https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Have you ever wondered how to truly connect with your authentic self and understand the different parts of your inner world? 

Let’s dive into the concept of Self-energy through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. In this episode, I break down the eight critical characteristics of Self-energy - and explore how these elements help us differentiate between our authentic self and the protective parts that developed as survival mechanisms.

Throughout the episode, I provide practical strategies for recognizing and cultivating Self-energy, including how to notice when you're disconnected from your true self and techniques for becoming more grounded and present. Tune in to begin reconnecting with your authentic self.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The hidden survival mechanisms that disconnect us from our authentic self
• Why curiosity and creativity are essential for personal growth and healing
• Techniques for developing self-compassion without self-sacrifice
• Why slowing down is the key to true self-connection

Exciting news! Applications are now open for Reclaim + Reconnect, my 12-week group program for healers who are ready to transform their lives by repairing their nervous system and breaking free from past pain.⁠

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Apply for Reclaim + Reconnect: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

TW: Mention of suicide

This week, I sat down with Elyce Mandich, a licensed therapist who turned her experience of losing her mother to suicide at age ten into a powerful mission of healing and connection. We dive into the complex landscape of grief, mental health, and the importance of creating spaces where difficult conversations can happen. Elyce shares her journey from child welfare to private practice, revealing how personal experiences can shape our professional paths and our understanding of human resilience.

Our conversation explores the nuanced ways we process trauma, the power of being present, and the critical importance of talking openly about challenging topics like suicide and mental health. Elyce offers raw, compassionate insights into how we can move through life's most difficult moments, not by forgetting or minimizing them, but by radically accepting our experiences and choosing to step into the driver's seat of our own healing. Her perspective is a beautiful reminder that our most painful experiences can become the very catalyst for our greatest growth and our ability to support others.

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The unexpected path that transforms personal grief into professional calling
• The critical importance of discussing "taboo" topics like suicide with openness and compassion
• How radical acceptance can shift our relationship with painful experiences

Resources Mentioned:

• Reclaim + Reconnect 12-week program: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect 

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Have you ever felt like healing is a solitary journey that you have to navigate alone?

Join me in this episode as I dive deep into the transformative power of healing in community. Drawing from scientific research and personal experiences, I explore how our fundamental human need for connection can amplify our healing process. I share insights from the "audience effect" - a fascinating scientific phenomenon that demonstrates how our experiences become more powerful when shared with others of our own species - and challenge the individualistic narrative that healing must be a solo expedition.

Through personal stories and professional insights, I unpack the profound impact of community on our healing journey, from music festivals to support groups, and discuss how feeling truly seen and understood can be healing in itself. 

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The scientific "audience effect" and how shared experiences amplify healing
• The chemical and emotional benefits of healing alongside others
• How community can help mitigate feelings of shame and isolation
• Practical ways to find and engage with healing communities

Looking for your healing community? Reclaim + Restore provides a 3 phase process for healing, a built in community of like-minded healers, and live group coaching calls. You can check it out at: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Reclaim + Restore: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Curious how creativity and play can be powerful tools in healing childhood trauma? 

In this deeply intimate conversation, therapist Megan Walsh and I dive into understanding our inner child, breaking generational cycles, and embracing imperfection. Through her personal story of discovering music therapy and her professional insights, Megan shares how creative expression can unlock healing in ways traditional therapy sometimes cannot.

Megan is a holistic trauma therapist and coach with expertise in supporting women to process childhood trauma & release people-pleasing, embrace imperfection, calm their bodies & build thriving relationships.

You can follow Megan on Instagram or learn more about her offerings on her website, and don’t forget to subscribe to her podcast, Good Girls Gotta Heal.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• The surprising role creativity plays in processing childhood trauma
• How improvisation can be a healing tool for reconnecting with your inner child
• Why perfectionism might be blocking your personal growth

Sign up for Reclaim + Reconnect, A Program for Healing After Trauma. Heal your nervous system, break free from the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and reconnect with the real you so you can reclaim the life you have always deserved. https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Sign up for Reclaim + Reconnect, A Program for Healing After Trauma: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect

Follow Megan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectwithmegan/

Learn more about Megan’s Offerings: https://connect-with-megan.com/

Good Girls Gotta Heal Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-girls-gotta-heal/id1777167788

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Are you dreading the upcoming holiday season due to family drama, social obligations, and high expectations? 

In this episode, we explore strategies to help you take back control and create the holiday experience you truly desire. Learn how to set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and navigate challenging relationships - all while maintaining your sanity and joy. If you're looking to find more peace, ease, and playfulness this holiday season, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• Tips for managing difficult conversations and political disagreements
• Ways to honor your needs and create the holiday experience you want
• Resources to support your mental health and healing during the holidays

Ready to heal your nervous system, break free from the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and reconnect with the real you so you can reclaim the life you have always deserved? I invite you to check out my upcoming 12 week program, Reclaim + Reconnect: A Program for Healing After Trauma. Plus, sign up before January 1st and receive my "Navigating the Holidays" workbook bonus!

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Reclaim + Reconnect: A Program for Healing After Trauma: https://www.deanapanza.com/reclaimandreconnect 

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Have you ever wondered how much your own emotions impact your parenting? 

In this episode, I sit down with Chelsea Clifton, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in helping parents understand and manage their own emotional responses to create a healthy environment for their kids. We discuss the importance of inner child work, breaking generational cycles, and finding balance in parenting while maintaining personal boundaries.

Chelsea shares advice on regulating your emotions, allowing children to have big feelings, and modeling healthy boundaries. From stories of her own experiences as a parent to insights from her work with clients, this episode is full of tips to bring more empathy, patience, and awareness to family dynamics.

Topics We Cover in This Episode:

• Why it’s okay (and necessary) to let children experience big emotions
• The importance of modeling boundaries for your kids
• Tips for managing feelings of guilt and pressure as a parent

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Join my Free Training on Nov. 17th. 3 Secrets to Reconnecting with Yourself After Trauma: https://www.deanapanza.com/webinar

Connect with Chelsea on IG: https://www.instagram.com/mindandhearttherapist/ 

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Have you ever stopped to question where your judgments truly come from? 

In this episode, I dive deep into the world of personal judgment, exploring how our primal survival instincts have transformed into modern-day mental patterns that often disconnect us from our authentic selves. 

I'll challenge you to examine those persistent "shoulds" and "supposed tos" that secretly dictate your life, revealing how these ingrained judgments—inherited from family, society, and personal expectations—can limit our ability to connect with our true desires and show compassion to ourselves and others.

Get ready to start a transformative journey of self-discovery and learn how to break free from the invisible constraints of societal and personal judgment.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• How "shoulds" and "supposed tos" secretly sabotage your authentic life experience
• Why your harshest judgments often originate from external sources, not your true self
• A gentle approach to challenging your ingrained judgment patterns without harsh self-criticism

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Free Webinar! The 3 Secrets to Reconnecting with Yourself After Trauma: www.deanapanza.com/webinar 

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

How do we balance growth and self-acceptance while navigating anxiety, depression, and the constant pressure to have it all figured out? 

In this episode, I sit down with Gianna LaLota, LMHC a New York-based therapist and speaker, who shares her deeply personal journey through anxiety and depression during her teenage years. Despite having what looked like a "perfect life" on paper, Gianna opens up about her struggle to find ground and the transformative power of therapy, yoga, and internal family systems work that helped her discover a new relationship with herself.

We explore the misconception that healing has a final destination and instead discuss how growth can be a lifelong journey of self-discovery. Gianna shares practical mindfulness techniques, including her favorite grounding exercises, and explains how developing self-trust became the biggest agent of change in her life.

Gianna and I dive deep into the difference between controlling behavior born from anxiety versus genuine agency, and how slowing down in our fast-paced world can be an act of rebellion that leads to a richer, more connected life.

Topics We Cover in This Episode: 

• A powerful reframe that can change your entire healing journey
• The missing ingredient in mindfulness that most people overlook
• The hidden language your nervous system is speaking to you

All show notes are available at www.deanapanza.com!

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Gianna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfultherapynyc

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

In this conversation, I explore the complexities of people pleasing, highlighting its roots as a defense mechanism that often stems from early relational experiences. I discuss how people pleasing can inhibit connections and lead to emotional detachment in our most important relationships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-connection and open communication in repairing relationships and addressing emotional needs.

I discuss:

• Where people pleasing comes from
• What we loose out on from people pleasing
• How people pleasers show up differently in low stakes and high stakes relationships
• Repairing relationships takes time and requires self-awareness.
• Our relationships suffer when needs are not expressed.
• Emotional needs do not disappear; they resurface in different ways.
• Understanding oneself is the first step to addressing people pleasing.

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Vinny Welsby (they/them) is a fat activist and diversity, equity and inclusion leader. They are a world-leading expert on dismantling anti-fat bias and diet culture, a TEDx speaker, podcast host and best-selling author. Vinny is trans-non-binary and is dedicated to shifting how society views fat and queer bodies through education and compassion.

In this conversation, I sit down with Vinnie Welsby to chat about unlearning anti-fat bias. Vinnie shares their personal journey of discovering body positivity and challenging societal beauty standards. They discuss the impact of white supremacy and diet culture on body image and self-worth. Vinnie also addresses the challenges of advocating for oneself in healthcare settings and the importance of community and connection in promoting holistic well-being. The conversation emphasizes the need to redefine health and prioritize self-acceptance and presence over external validation.

We discuss:

• Unlearning anti-fat bias 
• The impact of society and diet culture on body image and self-worth
• The challenges of advocating for oneself in healthcare settings for more inclusive and evidence-based care
• Setting boundaries and communicating needs
• Redefining health to prioritize holistic well-being, community, and self-acceptance 
• Surrounding oneself with diverse body types and challenging societal norms can help shift perspectives and promote body positivity.

Vinny’s resource links:

Website: www.fiercefatty.com

Instagram: @fierce.fatty https://www.instagram.com/fierce.fatty/

TikTok: @fiercefatty

https://www.tiktok.com/@fiercefatty

Facebook: @fiercefatty

https://www.facebook.com/fiercefatty/

Twitter: @fiercefatty_

https://twitter.com/fiercefatty_

Pinterest: @fiercefatty_

https://www.pinterest.ca/fiercefatty_/

YouTube: @fiercefatty

https://www.youtube.com/fiercefatty

LinkedIn: @vinnywelsby

https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinnywelsby/

Email: fatty@fiercefatty.com

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

In this conversation, I emphasize the importance of taking pauses in our daily lives and during significant life transitions. I discuss how modern society's urgency can lead to a lack of presence and connection with ourselves. By incorporating small pauses, we can enhance our emotional well-being and celebrate our achievements, allowing for a more grounded and fulfilling experience in life.

I discuss:

• A simple way to improve quality of life.
• Urgency and survival mode.
• The importance of consistently and often checking in with ourselves.
• Pausing allows us to reconnect with our needs.
• Mindfulness and questions we should be asking ourselves more.
• How destructive urgency is.
• Shifting the way we move through life.

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

In this episode, we discuss the power of somatic work in finding and maintaining healthy partnerships. Lauren shares her personal journey of discovering somatic experiencing and how it transformed her relationships and overall well-being. We discuss the importance of understanding the language of the nervous system and how it can help individuals break free from patterns and create lasting change. 

We discuss:

• Lauren’s personal journey with somatically healing and breaking her patterns.
• Somatic work’s role as a powerful tool in finding and maintaining healthy partnerships.
• Understanding the language of the nervous system and prioritizing the body's signals for lasting change.
• Slowing down, embodying safety, and renegotiating survival responses as key aspects of the healing process.
• Recognizing the need for community and finding safe relationships as an important part of the healing journey.

Lauren’s resource links:

https://laurenzoeller.com

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

In this episode, I discuss the impact of chronic stress on the body, particularly its effects on the nervous system.

I emphasize the importance of balancing the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems and introduces a practical tool to help transition from a state of stress to relaxation.

I explain how modern life often keeps us in a state of stress without allowing our bodies to process the tension and energy, leading to chronic stress and unbalanced nervous systems.

I discuss:

• The impact of chronic stress on the nervous system.
• The importance of completing our daily stress cycles.
• The body needs to oscillate between sympathetic and parasympathetic states.
• Modern life’s role in keeping our bodies in a constant state of stress.
• A tool for sending signals of safety to the body for deeper rest at the end of the day.
• And more.

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Lauren Auer is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and the owner of Steadfast Counseling, specializing in comprehensive trauma care. With extensive training in EMDR and certification in Brainspotting, she offers a holistic approach to healing, addressing the body, mind, and nervous system.

In this conversation, Lauren shares about her work and specialization in trauma therapy, including religious trauma. She shares her journey of how she got started in trauma therapy.

We discuss the complexity of trauma and the importance of recognizing the impact on the entire system, including families and communities.

We also explore the challenges of religious trauma and the confusion and conflicting feelings that can arise when questioning one's beliefs and experiences within a religious context.

Lauren shares her personal journey of navigating religious trauma and finding her own path.

She discusses the challenges of breaking away from a community that didn't align with her beliefs and the grief that came with leaving relationships behind. Lauren emphasizes the importance of staying curious and questioning one's beliefs and experiences.

She also highlights the value of accepting the complexity and nuance of life and finding a sense of belonging in communities that embrace diversity of thought.

We discuss:

• The impact of religious trauma.
• Our natural sense for belonging and connection even.
• The importance of staying curious and questioning your own beliefs and experiences.
• The challenges that come with evolving beliefs and value systems.
• Lauren also shares her own personal journey in navigating her relationship with religion.

Lauren’s resource links:

Your Therapist | Substack

Lauren Auer | Trauma Therapist (@yourtraumatherapist_) • Instagram photos and videos 

TikTok

Steadfast Counseling

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

This episode is must listen if you or someone you know is on a healing journey or has experienced any type of trauma.

In this conversation I explore the importance of reclaiming your power of choice in your healing journey after you experience trauma.

I discuss:

• Key factors that make something traumatic.

• How trauma often strips away our ability to choose.

• Society’s role in keeping us disconnected from ourselves in our healing.

• The role of experimentation and exploration in figuring out what feels aligned and connected for us.

• The importance of listening to what is right and authentic for ourselves in how we heal.

• The power of choosing in the healing process.

• And more.

Michele Bolona is a compassionate guide on your journey to self-discovery. Trained in Neuro Somatic Intelligence and Neo Emotional Release, she provides a supportive space for others to explore their depths. Her mission is to help others reclaim ownership of their bodies and minds, dissolving tension and resistance to achieve true self-connection and awareness.

In this conversation, Michele discusses her journey of personal growth and healing. Michele shares her experience as a somatic healer and how she combines emotional release with the nervous system. She talks about her own journey of understanding her emotions and the importance of regulating the nervous system. Michele Bolona discusses her journey of learning to create safety within herself and how it has transformed her relationships and emotional well-being.

We discuss:

• The power of combining emotional release with nervous system regulation for healing and personal growth
• The importance of creating safety in the body
• Developing a personalized toolkit for nervous system regulation
• The connection between movement and embodiment
• Movement can be a way to distract from internal experiences, but it can also be a tool for connecting with the body and releasing energy
• Relying on others to keep us safe and control everything in our lives can lead to anxiety and a lack of vulnerability
• Somatic work and connecting with our emotions can help us set boundaries, communicate our needs, and have compassion for ourselves and others
• Feeling and processing emotions is crucial for healing and creating a deeper connection with ourselves and others

Michele’s resource links:

https://michelebolona.com

https://www.youtube.com/@MicheleBolona?app=desktop

https://www.instagram.com/embodyingmichele/

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

In this episode, I share my own personal experience with burnout and discusses the contributing factors and consequences of burnout. 

I discuss:

• Burnout’s physical, mental, and emotional consequences.
• The impact of needing to prove yourself.
• The value society places on productivity and success, often at the expense of personal well-being.
• Steps to prevent and recover from burnout.
• The importance of reconnecting with yourself, setting boundaries, and learning to say no.

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Jaclyn V, The Anxious Therapist, is a licensed therapist specializing in trauma & she openly shares about her own mental health struggles. She believes everyone deserves a safe space to be vulnerable & heal.

In this deeply relatable conversation, Jaclyn shares her mental health journey and the importance of creating safe spaces for healing. 

We discuss:

• Creating safe spaces for healing is essential in the therapeutic process.
• Healing beyond just learning to cope with symptoms.
• Recognizing unmet emotional needs.
• Taking ownership of your healing journey.
• Hard truths about childhood trauma.
• Shifting mindset and conscious thought can help break free from harmful patterns.
• Stepping into power and choosing one's own life to transform.
• And more

Jaclyn’s resource links:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-anxious-therapist/id1364823376

https://www.instagram.com/theanxioustherapist

The Anxious Therapist | Podcast on SpotifySpotify

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

In this episode, I discusses the concept of process versus content in relationship with ourselves and others. This impacts the way that we finding joy and happiness and connect with others.

I discuss:

• The conflict cycles that keep us stuck in relationships.
• How to break out of patterns of disconnection in relationships.
• The importance of understand the underlying emotions and needs.
• Building meaningful connections through vulnerability, communication, and allowing yourself to be seen.
• The process of finding joy and happiness.
• How your connection with your own needs and emotions shapes your life.
• Tangible tools for connecting with yourself and communicating more effectively.
• And more

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.

Shenikka Moore-Clarke is a licensed holistic psychotherapist and transformational coach, she operates within a trauma-informed, culturally conscious, and anti-oppressive framework. With close to 20 years of experience, her personal journey with trauma and chronic illness has been her most valuable teacher, guiding her to appreciate the significance of nervous system regulation, somatic therapy, EFT (Emotion Freedom Tapping), and inner child modalities.

In this episode, Shenikka Moore-Clarke shares her personal healing journey and the importance of holistic healing and connecting with your body. She discusses the impact of trauma on the body and the need for collective healing. Shenikka emphasizes that healing is possible and that there are various modalities to support the healing process. 

We discuss:

• Healing is possible and can be achieved through various modalities.
• Trauma can have a profound impact on the body.
• The power of Holistic Healing.
• Self advocacy in navigating the healthcare system.
• Somatic practices and tools.
• Vagal activation exercises.
• Nervous system regulation.
• The importance of true rest and self care.
• And more

Shenikka’s resource links:

Www.thehealingvibetherapist.com. 

Ig @the.healingvibe 

https://thehealingvibetherapist.com/store/my-practice-somatic-and-mindfulness-deck-cards-pre-order

Let's connect:

Follow along on ⁠Instagram⁠ + ⁠TikTok⁠

Email: deana@deanapanza.com

Website: ⁠deanapanza.com

Reminder: This podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a replacement for therapy or individualized mental health or medical care.